[Third Person].
The women turned.
It was Helena who had spoken. She stood with her hands folded neatly before her, dressed with understated elegance—nothing ostentatious, nothing begging for attention. Yet the moment she spoke, the group stilled.
"Perhaps," Helena continued evenly, "it would benefit us to remember that a Queen's worth has never been measured solely by her womb. Not by any competent reign, at least."
A hush fell around them. Meanwhile, Wanda's eyes narrowed.
One of the women frowned. "And you are…?"
Helena inclined her head slightly. "Helena Aurelion."
The name landed like a stone dropped into still water, and several women straightened immediately.
"Her uncle," someone murmured under their breath, "was King before Alderic."
Meredith's gaze sharpened as soon as she learned of Helena's identity.
